On the day you were born, and perhaps when you turned 18, who was the President (or other leader if outside of the US)? Who were local leaders (i.e., governor, mayor…)? Who were the religious authorities? And, how did their presence, and the culture of the time, help shape your vision of the world and your dreams now of what it can be?
As we approach the second Sunday of Advent, our minds might be drifting to stories of shepherds, angels and magi. However, our scripture reading (based on Luke 3:1-6) begins with a listing of political and religious leaders in a repressive Roman regime. We then encounter John the Baptist, who is living in the wilderness, baptizing and preaching repentance.
Episcopal Vicar Judith Jones writes that “repentance (Greek metanoia) is not mere regret for past misdeeds. It means far more than saying, ‘I’m sorry. Please forgive me.’ Metanoia means a change of mind and heart, the kind of inner transformation that bears visible fruit.” How might we nurture that kind of Advent dreaming together in this season?
We will explore this together on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “The Practice of Advent Dreaming”. The scripture passage will be read by Suzie Rimstidt. Our Sanctuary Singers will lead us in singing, with Matthew Wachtman accompanying. We will have the lighting of the Advent Candle by Dana, Nathan, Dean, Cam and Maia Thomas, a moment for children, prayers and reflections, hymns, and the gift of community.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the live stream at www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!
(Jones, J. (2015, December 6). Commentary on Luke3:1-6. Working Preacher. https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-of-advent-3/commentary-on-luke-31-6-3)